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Plaque with Portuguese Traders and Manillas

ca. 1540–70
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 342
This is an example of the series of cast brass plaques that historically hung on the wooden pillars of the Benin royal palace. This particular work reflects the association made by the Edo people between the Portuguese, depicted with sharp noses, long hair, and unique dress, and wealth, represented by the brass manillas (coins).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Plaque with Portuguese Traders and Manillas
  • Artist: Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
  • Date: ca. 1540–70
  • Geography: Nigeria, Court of Benin
  • Culture: Edo peoples
  • Medium: Brass
  • Dimensions: H. 18 × W. 7 3/4 × D. 1 in. (45.7 × 19.7 × 2.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metal-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991
  • Object Number: 1991.17.13
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

More Artwork

More Artwork
Court official from a commemorative altar, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, iron, Edo peoples
Court official from a commemorative altar
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
16th–17th century
Pendant mask of Ìyọ́bà Idià, Ìgbèsànmwà (ivory- and wood- carving guild) artists, Ivory, iron, brass, coal, traces of iron oxides, Edo peoples
Pendant mask of Ìyọ́bà Idià
Ìgbèsànmwà (ivory- and wood- carving guild) artists
16th century
Plaque with Warrior and Attendants, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo peoples
Plaque with Warrior and Attendants
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70
Lidded Vessel, Yoruba artist, Ivory, wood or coconut-shell inlay, Owo-Yoruba peoples
Lidded Vessel
Yoruba artist
17th–18th century
Plaque Fragment with Warrior Chief, Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists, Brass, Edo peoples
Plaque Fragment with Warrior Chief
Ìgùn Ẹ́rọ̀nwwọ̀n (brass-casting guild) artists
ca. 1540–70

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